In time-oriented goals, time is a critical factor Work related deadlines are one way that time enters the goal-setting process. In business contracts delivery time is a reflection of how goals must include a time. In personal goals like losing weight or working out, we have a tendency to ignore the same rules that apply to work and business.
Activities without a timeline do not meet goal-setting requirements.
Once your settle it within yourself that time is a necessary part of goal setting, then you can use that mindset to categorize both the steps in reaching goals and the time you want to realize your goal into three categories.
- Short Term
- Intermediate
- Long Term
Remember that these categories apply to both your process and your end results.
For example in weight loss, the short-term steps may include having a shopping list, while your short-term goal may be to establish a pattern of working out four times a week.